Thirteen participants in the Initial Military Training EMV officially received their operational military berets (see Monday edition) last Friday. A total of 14 candidates – nine from Curaçao and five from Aruba, including two women – took part in the final field exercise.
Over 300 persons applied last year to join the Caribbean programme on the two islands, of whom 32 passed the rigorous selection process and started in August 2025. Over the course of seven months, they underwent intensive training that included military basic skills, combat techniques and weapons handling.
Graduates will now be deployed in various operational roles on Curaçao and Aruba. Their duties may range from access control and security tasks to supporting public order and safety operations at the request of local authorities.
The soldiers also participate in regional exercises and train alongside various security partners. Caribbean military personnel are employed by their respective country’s Ministry of Justice and assigned to defence operations.
Good performers can progress to management positions within the platoons or Training Department. They may also specialise in a field such as sports- or shooting and arrest techniques instructor.
The Curaçao Militia CurMil and Aruba Militia AruMil each have a Social Formation Trajectory SVT called “Un Komienso Nobo” (A New Beginning) for at-risk youngsters between the ages of 18 and 24. Organised by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, it offers intensive training focused on discipline, responsibility and personal development.
Afterwards they receive a beret and certificate. In the second phase, participants are prepared for work in the labour market that matches their abilities.
The possibility of a similar programme in St. Maarten has often been discussed. It would help get jobless people including school dropouts off the streets and combat youth delinquency.
Coincidentally, Member of Parliament (MP) Sjamira Roseburg of United Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM) late last month mentioned exploring a local SVT, while in the same newspaper National Alliance (NA) MP Egbert Doran spoke of continuing his efforts for military-based training opportunities. The general idea thus enjoys support “across the aisle” from both coalition and opposition members.
What’s more, recent tensions involving the US and Venezuela have prompted calls in Willemstad, Oranjestad but also The Hague to strengthen the Dutch Caribbean’s armed forces, so this might be the perfect time to make it happen.
